DEVOTED fundraisers whose family and friends have been treated by Bolton Hospice collected more than £2,000 for the charity.

Sam Donnell, aged 26, and her grandmother Ellen Keefe, aged 67, raised £2,195 for the hospice, most of which came from a family fun day at Breightmet United Football Club’s ground in Moss Park, Bury New Road.

The fun day, which was attended by about 200 people, featured a charity football match, a raffle and various activities for children.

Mrs Keefe has worked at the Bolton Hospice charity shop in Tonge Moor Road, Tonge Moor, since it opened 16 years ago and more than 20 of her friends and family have died whilst at Bolton Hospice.

These include her two brothers-in-law Harry and Dave, who were Miss Donnell’s uncles.

Mrs Keefe, of Rossall Close, Tonge Moor, said: “Bolton Hospice is the biggest thing in my life.

“It’s on par with my family and it’s like a family. I love working for the hospice and helping those who are dying. I always want to help, in any little way I can.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of Sam — she did a wonderful job.”

Miss Donnell, who came up with the idea for the fun day, is no stranger to doing her bit for charity.

In 2011, she did a sky dive for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, after her daughter Caitlin was treated for a lung infection there.

This time around, she aimed to raise £1,200, and beat her target by almost £1,000. Miss Donnell, of Scowcroft Road, Tonge Moor, said: “The hospice is very close to my heart, which is why I chose to raise money for them this year.

“The fun day was fantastic and I’m delighted with how much I’ve raised.”

Stephanie Lacaille, community fundraising manager for Bolton Hospice, said: “This is an amazing fundraising total and we want to say a big thank you to everyone involved in organising this fantastic event.

“Bolton Hospice only survives thanks to the support of local people and this boost to our funds will make a big difference to the local people facing life-limiting illnesses we care for.”